Pegwash
Pegwash Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
The primary mode of action is thought to be through the osmotic effect of polyethylene glycol 3350 which causes water to be retained in the colon and produces a watery stool. Polyethylene Glycol induces as diarrhea which rapidly cleanses the bowel, usually within four hours.
The osmotic effect of PEG produces a copious watery diarrhea. The onset of action of PEG 3350 is about 1 to 2 hours after oral ingestion. The colonic transit of polyethylene glycol occurs in a dose-dependent manner. When used for bowel preparation before colonscopy, electrolytes are typically added in the oral solution to prevent dehydration and electrolyte disturbances. As an over-the-counter laxative, the OTC product does not contain any salts that can be absorbed. In a study involving healthy subjects, PEG 3350 had negligible effects on colonic fluid absorption or with the ability of the colonic mucosa to generate and sustain steep electrochemical gradients.
Potassium chloride is a major cation of the intracellular fluid. It plays an active role in the conduction of nerve impulses in the heart, brain and skeletal muscle; contraction of cardiac skeletal and smooth muscles; maintenance of normal renal function, acid-base balance, carbohydrate metabolism and gastric secretion.
The potassium ion is in the principle intracellular cation of most body tissues. Potassium ions participate in a number of essential physiological processes including the maintenance of intracellular tonicity, the transmission of nerve impulses, the contraction of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle, and the maintenance of normal renal function. The intracellular concentration of potassium is approximately 150 to 160 mEq per liter. The normal adult plasma concentration is 3.5 to 5 mEq per liter. An active ion transport system maintains this gradient across the plasma membrane. Potassium is a normal dietary constituent and under steady-state conditions the amount of potassium absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract is equal to the amount excreted in the urine. The usual dietary intake of potassium is 50 to 100 mEq per day. Potassium depletion will occur whenever the rate of potassium loss through renal excretion and/or loss from the gastrointestinal tract exceeds the rate of potassium intake. Such depletion usually develops as a consequence of therapy with diuretics, primarily or secondary hyperaldosteronism, diabetic ketoacidosis, or inadequate replacement of potassium in patients on prolonged parenteral nutrition. Depletion can develop rapidly with severe diarrhea, especially if associated with vomiting. Potassium depletion due to these causes is usually accompanied by concomitant loss of chloride and is manifested by hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. Potassium depletion may produce weakness, fatigue, disturbances of cardiac rhythm (primarily ectopic beats), prominent U-waves in the electrocardiogram, and, in advanced cases, flaccid paralysis and/or impaired ability to concentrate urine. If potassium depletion associated with metabolic alkalosis cannot be managed by correcting the fundamental cause of the deficiency, e.g., where the patient requires long-term diuretic therapy, supplemental potassium in the form of high potassium food or potassium chloride may be able to restore normal potassium levels. In rare circumstances (e.g., patients with renal tubular acidosis) potassium depletion may be associated with metabolic acidosis and hyperchloremia. In such patients, potassium replacement should be accomplished with potassium salts other than the chloride, such as potassium bicarbonate, potassium citrate, potassium acetate, or potassium gluconate.
Sodium bicarbonate is a systemic alkalinizing agent. It increases plasma bicarbonate, buffers excess hydrogen ion concentration, and raises blood pH, thereby reversing the clinical manifestations of acidosis. It can also be used to replenish electrolyte imbalance as a treatment adjunct for severe diarrhea where the loss of bicarbonate can be significant.
Intravenous sodium bicarbonate therapy increases plasma bicarbonate, buffers excess hydrogen ion concentration, raises blood pH and reverses the clinical manifestations of acidosis.
Sodium chloride is the major extracellular cation. It is important in electrolyte and fluid balance, osmotic pressure control and water distribution as it restores sodium ions. It is used as a source of electrolytes and water for hydration, treatment of metabolic acidosis, priming solution in haemodialysis and treatment of hyperosmolar diabetes. It is also used as diluents for infusion of compatible drug additives.
Sodium, the major cation of the extracellular fluid, functions primarily in the control of water distribution, fluid balance, and osmotic pressure of body fluids. Sodium is also associated with chloride and bicarbonate in the regulation of the acid-base equilibrium of body fluid.Chloride, the major extracellular anion, closely follows the metabolism of sodium, and changes in the acid-base balance of the body are reflected by changes in the chloride concentration.
Trade Name | Pegwash |
Generic | Polyethylene Glycol + Sodium Chloride + Potassium Chloride + Sodium Bicarbonate + Anhydrous Sodium Sulphate |
Weight | 118gm |
Type | Sachet |
Therapeutic Class | |
Manufacturer | Zydus Cadila Healthcare Ltd |
Available Country | India |
Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
![Pegwash Pegwash](https://www.medicinesfaq.com/media/png/pegwash.png)
Uses
This is white powder for reconstitution. It is a synthetic polyglycol having an average molecular weight of 3350. Polyethylene Glycol is an osmotic agent that causes water to be retained with the stool. Polyethylene Glycol appears to have no effect on the active absorption or secretion of glucose or electrolytes.
Polyethylene Glycol is used for the treatment of constipation. This should be used for 2 weeks or less or as directed by physician. Polyethylene Glycol 3350 is a prescription only laxative that has been prescribed by physician to treat constipation. This product should only be used by the person for whom it is prescribed.
Potassium chloride is used for drug induced hypokalemia, liver cirrhosis, nausea, vomiting, cholera, diarrhoea, muscular weakness, paralysis, cardiac and congestive heart failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, ulcerative colitis, weakness, anorexia, drowsiness, Cushing's syndrome, pyloric stenosis, low blood pressure etc.
Management of acidosis in cardiac arrest.
Management of metabolic acidosis in:
- Severe renal disease
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Circulatory insufficiency from shock or dehydration
- Severe primary lactic acidosis
Alkalinization of urine.
Sodium Chloride Nasal Drops is used for dry nasal membranes including dry nose resulting from cold and allergy medications. It moistens dry nasal passages from dry climates or from airplane travel, may help dissolve mucus from study noses and clears the nose after surgery. This sterile saline solution is also used to cleanse various parts of the body (wounds, body cavities) and medical equipment (e.g., bandages, catheters, drainage tubes). It is also used as a mixing solution (diluent) for other medications used to irrigate the body (e.g., bacitracin, polymyxin).
Pegwash is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Chronic Constipation, Constipation, Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), Dry Eyes, Occasional Constipation, Bowel preparation therapy, Eye lubricationDehydration, Dry Mouth, Hypokalemia, Hypotonic Dehydration, Hypovolaemia, Isotonic Dehydration, Markedly Reduced Food Intake, Metabolic Acidosis, Hypodermoclysis, Mild Metabolic acidosis, Mild, moderate Metabolic Acidosis, Ocular edema, Acid-Base Balance, Bowel preparation therapy, Electrolyte replacement, Fluid replacement therapy, Hemodialysis Treatment, Hemofiltration, Parenteral Nutrition, Parenteral rehydration therapy, Plasma Volume Replacement, Urine alkalinization therapy, Fluid and electrolyte maintenance therapyAcid indigestion, Barbiturate intoxication, Breast Cancer, Constipation, Dental Decay, Duodenal Ulcer, Dyspepsia, Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Gingival Bleeding, Heartburn, Helicobacter Infections, Hyperkalemia, Ischaemia, Metabolic Acidosis, Myocardial Infarction, Plaque, Dental, Pruritis of the skin, Skin Irritation, Upset stomach, Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, Abdominal bloating, Benign, active Gastric Ulcer, Methyl alcohol poisoning, Prophylaxis of Contrast-induced nephropathy, Salicylate poisoning, Severe Diarrhea, Swelling of the gums, Bowel preparation therapyAllergic Rhinitis (AR), Corneal Edema, Dehydration, Dehydration Hypertonic, Fluid Loss, Hemodilution, Hypertension Intracranial, Hypokalemia, Hyponatremia, Hypotonic Dehydration, Hypovolaemia, Increased Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP), Inflammation of the Nasal Mucosa, Isotonic Dehydration, Metabolic Acidosis, Nasal Congestion, Nasal irritation, Oliguria caused by Acute Renal Failure (ARF), Potassium deficiency, Sinusitis, Skin Irritation, Sodium Depletion, Dryness of the nose, Hypochloremic state, Mild Metabolic acidosis, Mild, moderate Metabolic Acidosis, Electrolyte replacement, Fluid replacement therapy, Heart-Lung-Machine, Oral rehydration therapy, Parenteral Nutrition, Parenteral rehydration therapy, Peritoneal dialysis therapy, Plasma Volume Replacement, Regional Citrate Anticoagulation (RCA), Renal Replacement Therapies, Urine alkalinization therapy, Wound irrigation therapy, Ear wax removal, Fluid and electrolyte maintenance therapy, Increased renal excretion of toxic substances, Maintenance source of fluid and electrolytes, Parenteral drug administration, Reducing brain mass
How Pegwash works
Osmotic laxatives contain substances that are poorly absorbable and draw water into the lumen of the bowel. Polyethylene glycol functions is an osmotic laxative that causes increased water retention in the lumen of the colon by binding to water molecules, thereby producing loose stools.
Supplemental potassium in the form of high potassium food or potassium chloride may be able to restore normal potassium levels.
Sodium bicarbonate is a systemic alkalizer, which increases plasma bicarbonate, buffers excess hydrogen ion concentration, and raises blood pH, thereby reversing the clinical manifestations of acidosis. It is also a urinary alkalizer, increasing the excretion of free bicarbonate ions in the urine, thus effectively raising the urinary pH. By maintaining an alkaline urine, the actual dissolution of uric acid stones may be accomplished. Sodium bicarbonate acts as an antacid and reacts chemically to neutralize or buffer existing quantities of stomach acid but has no direct effect on its output. This action results in increased pH value of stomach contents, thus providing relief of hyperacidity symptoms. [PharmGKB]
Sodium and chloride — major electrolytes of the fluid compartment outside of cells (i.e., extracellular) — work together to control extracellular volume and blood pressure. Disturbances in sodium concentrations in the extracellular fluid are associated with disorders of water balance.
Dosage
Pegwash dosage
The usual dose of Polyethylene Glycol is 17 gm of powder per day (or as directed by physician) in a glass of water, juice, coke, coffee or tea. Each bottle of Polyethylene Glycol is supplied with a cup that is used to measure 17 gm or 8.5 gm of laxative powder when filled upto the marked line.
Oral:Dosage must be adjusted to the individual needs of each patient.
- Adults: In severe deficiencies 3-6 tablets or 4-8 teaspoonful or 25-50 mmol per day orally in divided doses for some days with fruit juice, sweet or plain water.
- Children: ½-1 teaspoonful twice daily or 1-3 mmol/kg body weight a day in several divided doses.
Patient should take Potassium chloride with meals.
Intravenous:
Severe acute hypokalaemia:
- Adult: If serum potassium level >2.5 mEq/L, give at a rate not exceeding 10 mEq/hr in a concentration of up to 40 mEq/L. Max dose: 200 mEq/24 hr. If serum potassium level <2 mEq/L, may infuse at a rate of up to 40 mEq/hr. Continuous cardiac monitoring is essential. Max dose: 400 mEq/24 hr.
75 mg KCl equivalent to 1 mmol K+
Oral: The usual dose is 300 mg to 2 grams, 1 to 4 times daily.
Intravenous (Severe metabolic acidosis):
- Adult: By slow inj of a hypertonic solution of up to 8.4% (1000 mmol/L), or by continuous infusion of a weaker solution, usually 1.26% (150 mmol/L). For correction of acidosis during advanced cardiac life support procedures, 50 ml of an 8.4% solution may be given.
- Elderly: Dosage adjustments may be required.
Infants, children & adults: 2-6 drops into each nostril as needed daily
Use in Children: Safe for pediatrics
It should always be taken by mouth. Measure the dose using the supplied cup, stir and dissolve in a glass of water, juice, coke, coffee or tea. Taking more than the prescribed dose may cause loss of fluid due to severe diarrhea.
Duration of Treatment
Polyethylene Glycol achieves its best results when used between one and two weeks. It may be discontinued after several satisfactory bowel movements. Should unusual cramps, bloating, or diarrhea occur, consultation with physician is needed. Polyethylene Glycol is intended for up to a two-week course of therapy. It should not be used for a longer time unless directed by a physician. After successfully completing the Polyethylene Glycol therapy (usually between one and two weeks) discussion with a physician is needed to change lifestyle that may produce more regular bowel habits (adequate dietary and fluid intake, regular exercise).
Side Effects
Nausea, abdominal bloating, cramping and flatulence may occur. High doses may produce diarrhea and excessive stool frequency, particularly in elderly nursing home patients. Patients taking other medications containing polyethylene glycol have occasionally developed urticaria suggestive of an allergic reaction.
GI ulceration (sometimes with haemorrhage and perforation or with late formation of strictures) following the use of enteric-coated K chloride preparation; hyperkalaemia. Oral: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. IV: Pain or phloebitis; cardiac toxicity.
This medication is generally well tolerated. However, high doses may cause headache, nausea or irritability. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: muscle weakness, slow reflexes, confusion, swelling of the feet or ankles, black tar-like stools, coffee-ground vomit. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
No side Effects are expected to occur. However stinging, sneezing, increased nasal discharge, or salty taste may occur in some cases.
Toxicity
The oral LD50 of PEG 3350 in rats is 22000 mg/kg.
There is limited clinical information on the overdose of polyethylene glycols. Based on the pharmacological action of the compound, severe diarrhea may be suspected. Overdose of polyethylene glycols should be responded with symptomatic and supportive care.
The administration of oral potassium salts to persons with normal excretory mechanisms for potassium rarely causes serious hyperkalemia. However, if excretory mechanisms are impaired, of if potassium is administered too rapidly intravenously, potentially fatal hyperkalemia can result. It is important to recognize that hyperkalemia is usually asymptomatic and may be manifested only by an increased serum potassium concentration (6.5-8.0 mEq/L) and characteristic electrocardiographic changes (peaking of T-waves, loss of P-wave, depression of S-T segment, and prolongation of the QT interval). Late manifestations include muscle paralysis and cardiovascular collapse from cardiac arrest (9-12 mEq/L).
The rare inadvertent intravascular administration or rapid intravascular absorption of hypertonic sodium chloride can cause a shift of tissue fluids into the vascular bed, resulting in hypervolemia, electrolyte disturbances, circulatory failure, pulmonary embolism, or augmented hypertension.
Precaution
Patients with symptoms suggestive of bowel obstruction (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or distention) should be evaluated to rule out this condition before initiating Polyethylene Glycol therapy. Polyethylene Glycol should be administered after being dissolved in water, juice, coke, coffee or tea.
Renal or adrenocortical insufficiency; cardiac disease; acute dehydration; extensive tissue destruction. Pregnancy. Ensure adequate urine output; monitor plasma-potassium and other electrolyte concentrations. Discontinue treatment if severe nausea, vomiting or abdominal distress develops. Accumulation of potassium may occur in renal impairment.
Pre-existing heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, any allergies.
Interaction
No specific drug interactions have been demonstrated.
Potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ciclosporin and potassium-containing drugs. Antimuscarinics delay gastric emptying time consequently increasing risk of GI adverse effects esp of solid oral dosage forms.
This medication has the potential to interact with many medications. Should not take any other medication within 1 to 2 hours of taking an antacid. Potentially hazardous interactions with Corticosteroids and Corticotropin, Alkalis, Calcium, Diuretics and Potassium.
Volume of Distribution
Following a two-day split-dosing regimen of an oral suspension containing 140 grams of PEG 3350 in healthy subjects, the mean volume of distribution was 48,481 L.
The volume of distribution is 0.64 L/kg.
Elimination Route
Following a two-day split-dosing regimen of an oral suspension containing 140 grams of PEG 3350 in healthy subjects, the mean Cmax was 2.7 mcg/mL and the mean Tmax was 3 hours. Typically, polyethylene glycols with a high molecular weight are poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration.
Potassium is a normal dietary constituent and under steady-state conditions the amount of potassium absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract is equal to the amount excreted in the urine.
Absorption of sodium in the small intestine plays an important role in the absorption of chloride, amino acids, glucose, and water. Chloride, in the form of hydrochloric acid (HCl), is also an important component of gastric juice, which aids the digestion and absorption of many nutrients.
Half Life
Following a two-day split-dosing regimen of an oral suspension containing 140 grams of PEG 3350 in healthy subjects, the mean half life was 4.1 hours.
17 minutes
Clearance
There is limited information on the clearance rate of polyethylene glycols.
Elimination Route
Following administration of an oral suspension containing 140 grams of PEG 3350 in healthy subjects, up to 85% to 99% of the compound was excreted in the feces.
Potassium is a normal dietary constituent and, under steady-state conditions, the amount of potassium absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract is equal to the amount excreted in the urine. Potassium depletion will occur whenever the rate of potassium loss through renal excretion and/or loss from the gastrointestinal tract exceeds the rate of potassium intake.
Substantially excreted by the kidneys.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Pregnancy: It is not known whether Polyethylene glycol can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman, or can effect reproductive capacity. Polyethylene glycol should only be administered to a pregnant woman if clearly needed.
Lactation: There is no information on the use of Polyethylene glycol while nursing. Consultation with a physician is necessary in case of breastfeeding.
Category C: Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.
Category C: Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.
Contraindication
Polyethylene glycol is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected bowel obstruction and patients known to be allergic to polyethylene glycol.
Hyperchloraemia, severe renal or adrenal insufficiency.
This drug is contraindicated in hypoventilatory states, chloride depletion owing to continuous gastric fluid loss, metabolic and/or respiratory alkalosis, hypocalcemia and diuretics known to produce hypochloremic alkalosis.
Tell your doctor about your medical history, especially of heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure), lung problems (pulmonary edema), kidney problems, low levels of potassium (hypokalemia), high levels of sodium (hypernatremia), and any allergies.
Acute Overdose
There have been no reports of accidental overdosage. In the event of overdosage diarrhea would be the expected major event. If an overdose of drug occurred without concomitant ingestion of fluid, dehydration due to diarrhea may result. Medication should be terminated and free water administered.
If alkalosis results, the bicarbonate should be stopped and the patient managed according to the degree of alkalosis present. 0.9% sodium chloride injection intravenous may be given; potassium chloride also may be indicated if there is hypokalemia. Severe alkalosis may be accompanied by hyperirritability or tetany and these symptoms may be controlled by calcium gluconate. An acidifying agent such as ammonium chloride may also be indication in severe alkalosis.
Storage Condition
Intravenous: Store at 15-30° C.
Oral: Store below 30° C.
Store in a cool & dry place protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.
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